Teaching in two languages can provide Hispanic parents with the peace of mind that they need to successfully engage in the education of their children. Family literacy programs that include parents in the curricula help to stymie the fears and lack of confidence that Hispanic parents often feel when it comes to reading to their children. They may not feel comfortable reading … Read More
How Oral Stories Foster Reading Development
Oral storytelling is a type of narrative dialogue that enables children to experience interpersonal sharing and relating while they improve their understanding of word choice, sentence structure, and fluent speech. Children who hear and tell stories gain critical practice in using and adopting a language that carries over into their ability to read and write in that language. In an … Read More
The Power of Story
We all like to tell stories. We learn how to do it from a very young age, and this ability is unlocked by hearing others do it first. It’s a skill that is best acquired through literacy. Reading inspires our imagination, transporting us to worlds old and new, far and near. It enables us to visit any time period and … Read More
A School Library Can Support ELL Families
Libraries have historically been multi-faceted organizations which offer not only books and media, but access to community programs and cultural experiences. There is now a growing trend in public schools in which school librarians, classroom teachers, and ELL teachers are using the library as a meeting and activity venue for ELL families. It can be challenging for ELL parents and … Read More
How to Write a Children’s Book for Elementary Students
How to Write a Children’s Book for Elementary Students If you are thinking about writing a high-quality children’s book for elementary school students, it’s important that you consider your audience. Children of different ages and abilities can absorb, be read to, and independently read different levels of books. Elementary school is a time when children pass through several stages of … Read More
Bilingual Infant & Toddler Book Collection Wins FIVE Awards!
We all know that there is a shortage of quality bilingual infant & toddler books to meet the needs of our growing Hispanic community. That’s why we thought we would share the news with you that our Baby Talk Bilingual Board Books®, which is a collection of five books, is now a FIVE TIMES award-winner! Artist Noêl Ill brings these … Read More
How Can Parents Help Kids Maintain Their Home Language and Learn English too?
Research shows that continuing to use home languages alongside their new language acquisition will make the process of learning English faster and easier. One of the first steps you can take is to embrace and celebrate your child’s bilingualism as a strength that will serve them well throughout their lives in our increasingly diverse and multicultural world. Here are two … Read More